20 Gorgeous Braid Styles You Can Easily Do Yourself

Hands down, braids have to be the most versatile of hairdos! They can be worn up, down, or on the side and can go fancy or informal. Not to mention, that every hair type can benefit from a braid. Plus, they're generally easy to do, and they look good even when they're messy (see: a zillion celebrities). It's safe to say that you can't go wrong with saving a bad hair day with a pretty braid. Say no more, right?

Braids are perfect because a big one can be the entire hairstyle and get all your hair off your neck, or a small one can just be a nice little accent. Plus, braids are perfect for second day hair (or third, because let's get real, we're really busy), or basically whenever you just don't have time to wash or heat-style your mane. But if you already have a go-to style of braid, you might be tired of it.

It makes sense that you might want to have a few braid styles in your lexicon, right? We definitely think so.

For those of you who are stuck in a rut over at French braiding, look no further. Here are 20 braid styles you can definitely do yourself, no crazy braiding skills necessary -- we also made sure to include looks for a variety of hair types and lengths too. Enjoy your new 'do!

Waterfall Braid

Messy Side Braid Bun

That's me! In one of my favorite summer hair-do's. I just start with a side french braid, and then bundle it all into a bun on the other side. Since my hair is pretty thin (thanks Mom!) I only need a few bobby pins to keep it in place. If you need more, you're lucky!

Fishtail

Classic French (With a Twist)

A classic French braid is a really pretty, beachy summery look. This one is oriented to one side, which is easy to do -- just build the braid using an off-center line rather than down the center back of your head. Add some spice to it with a colored hair extension or a little dip-dye!

Upside Down Braid Bun

Half-Up Loose Fishtail

Celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa has a plethora of amazing braid styles on her Instagram. This one is so pretty! Here's a great Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial if you need some pointers. By the way, Sarah created that pretty, wavy hair with a tool she invented, a rotating curling iron called The Beachwaver ($199, ulta.com).

Dutch Fishtail Braid

A Dutch fishtail is also known as an "inverse" fishtail, which sounds really hard to do, but check out this easy-to-follow Dutch Fishtail Braid Tutorial! The key to the whole look is loosening it up at the end.

Stacked Topsy-Tail Braid

This 'braid' is the perfect way to change up your typical French braid because it looks so intricate and detailed. The best part is that it isn’t actually a braid at all! This style is made by creating a bunch of topsy tails stacked on top of one another. The final look is created by gently pulling everything loose to create voluminous, romantic twists that are perfect for any occasion.

The Rope Braid

Aveda Global Artistic Director for Hair Styling Allan Ruiz created this sleek, strong look for the Public School runway show. Once you have your ponytail, wrap a section of hair around it at the base. Then, it's just a matter of dividing it into two sections and tightly twisting both sections in a clockwise manner, then securing it at the bottom of the ponytail. Allan used Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme ($26, aveda.com) to prep hair before the ponytail, and then after to tame flyaways. Check out a bunch more photos, including ones that illustrate the step-by-step process, at this Aveda flickr set!